The city of Salesópolis holds a crystal-clear treasure, quite different from the polluted scenery we see in the capital: the source of the Tietê River. This tourist resort in the interior of São Paulo offers the unique experience of drinking water from São Paulo’s most important river straight from the source, without any harm! But the purity of the spring is just one of the local attractions; after all, there is much to do in Salesópolis.
In addition to providing direct (and hygienic) contact with São Paulo’smain waterway, the municipality of 17,000 inhabitants enchants with its museums and preserved architecture. Best of all, it is only 105 kilometers from São Paulo, making it the ideal choice for a quick weekend getaway.
Photo: OS2Warp/Wikimedia Commons
What to do in Salesópolis: São Paulo’s ecological heritage
For those who prefer ecotourism, the highlight of the trip is the Nascentes do Rio Tietê Park. Covering 1.34 million square meters, the reserve features trails, preserved nature, waterfalls, and drinking water sources. You can even drink directly from the source of the Tietê River, as its waters have not yet been polluted by large urban areas .
The center of Salesópolis is not far behind, offering pleasant surprises for those who love history. You can visit the Energy Museum, for example, which occupies an old power plant and tells the story of the emergence of electricity in the region. In addition, the Casarão do Café and Casarão Senzala preserve stories of the coffee-growing past of the interior of São Paulo.
Photo: Flávio Campos/Wikimedia Commons
Plan your trip!
The drive between São Paulo and Salesópolis takes between 1.5 and 2.5 hours, depending on traffic conditions. If you prefer to go by bus, you will need to change buses: travel to Mogi das Cruzes and, from there, take a bus bound for Salesópolis.
Most of the attractions are outdoors, so it is best to travel on days with mild, dry weather. That way, you can enjoy the parks and trails even more ! It is also worth planning your schedule to visit the City Fair, which takes place every first Thursday of the month.
Finally, if you want to have the unusual experience of tasting water from the source of the Tietê River, Salesópolis is a must-see. Enjoy the trip to learn about the history and appreciate the natural landscapes that make this destination so unique and special!
Photo: OS2Warp/Wikimedia Commons